Announcing... the 2010 ATHENA Winner!

We are thrilled to announce the winner of the 2010 ATHENA Award® - Irene Walters, Executive Director of University Relations and Communications at IPFW, was announced as the 2010 Recipient at the Annual ATHENA luncheon this afternoon at Ceruti's Summit Park! Irene says:

“I’m honored to be in the company of such incredible women. The import and significance of ATHENA is in showcasing the importance of the work each of the nominees do - both professionally and in a volunteer capacity - that helps to improve the community. That’s what it’s all about – making a better community.”

Irene is pictured here (left) with Sandra Kemmish, Chair of the 2010 ATHENA Committee and the 2008 ATHENA Recipient. We'd like to congratulate Irene, and each of the 12 outstanding nominees:

Chris Battell – President/CEO, Brainfood for Business
Eve Colchin – Director of Institutional Advancement, Indiana Tech
Kathie Green – Constituent Liaison, Congressman Mark Souder
Connie Kerrigan – Manager of Community Nursing, Parkview Hospital
Dorian Maples – Owner, Angel Corps
Helen J. Murray – President and COO, Indiana Michigan Power
Lynn Reecer – President/Co-Founder, Aboite New Trails, Inc.
Dawn Rudolph – CEO, St. Joe Hospital
Courtney Tritch – Communications Manager, Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership
Tonya Vojtkofsky – Co-Founder, Fort Wayne Derby Girls
Irene Walters – Executive Director of University Relations and Communications, IPFW
Mary Ann Ziembo – Senior Vice President, National City Bank

I had the opportunity to speak to a few of the nominees after the ceremony, and ask them their thoughts on the program. Chris Battell said: "I loved it! Women. Rock. -That's what I kept thinking! A celebration of women is a remarkable, enlightening, and uplifting experience."

Eve Colchin said: "It's absolutely wonderful to be in the room with all of these powerful women. It meant so much to me to know that my own nomination came from a student. I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for those that supported and mentored me."

ATHENA Scholarships were also presented at today’s luncheon to two exceptional high school students, who each received a $1000 scholarship to attend the higher education institution of their choice in Indiana. Congratulations to Becca Kanalos of Northrop High School and Asia Burden of North Side High School, and special thanks to Dr. Michele Helfgott and Northeast OB/GYN for making those scholarships possible!

Read  more about Athena here, and find pictures from today's ceremony at www.facebook.com/ftwaynechamber.